have designs on

Idioms  

1. Contrive a secret plot or scheme, especially with selfish motives. For example, I think he has designs on my job, or Mary has designs on her sister's boyfriend. This term uses design in the sense of “a crafty plan,” a usage dating from about 1700.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

have designs on

The Chargers still have designs on overtaking Denver and winning the division.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 18, 2025

There is also an ownership issue at West Ham, with Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky thought to have designs on taking a majority stake in the club.

From BBC ● Jun. 7, 2023

But he doesn’t simply have designs on taking the Cougars that far.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 20, 2023

But Hot Wheels could just as well end up being a film to watch out for, especially if Warner Bros. and Mattel have designs on it becoming their answer to Universal’s Fast & Furious franchise.

From The Verge ● Apr. 25, 2022

He peppered Lawrence with pointed gossip about rival institutions that might have designs on him.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

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